After touring all the other floors, Victor finally brought him to the one Adyr had been most curious about: the floor where the game devices were kept.
The equipment here was nothing like the game helmet Adyr had been using. In fact, these were not helmets at all. They were full game pods.
The entire floor was lined with rows of large pods, each one identical in size and shape, looking almost like coffins.
Victor approached one of them and began introducing.
"As you can see, these are completely different from the usual game helmets. And to be honest, they're not designed to enhance the gameplay experience. Though you've probably already noticed, the game feels real enough as it is."
He chuckled and continued. "The real purpose here is to maximize uninterrupted play time. With these pods, you can stay connected to the game for a full 24 hours straight.
Each pod monitors your vital functions. While you're logged in, a medical researcher and a doctor will be assigned to track your condition in real time. That way, you can play as long as you want without worrying about a thing."
"So they're really eager for us to play the game, huh?" Adyr said, raising an eyebrow.
Victor let out a sigh. "Yeah. As far as I understand, what they want from us is simple. Play the game, and collect whatever information we can for them."
"Are these active now?" Adyr asked.
"Yes, but you'll need to connect your own game helmet first. Once it's linked to a pod, it'll be fully configured for your use," he replied.
Victor noticed the hint of disappointment in Adyr's expression. He could tell he wanted to try one immediately, but chose not to address it directly and shifted the conversation instead.
"There's also a merit system. If you join, you'll receive a monthly salary and some privileges, but the real value comes from the merits you earn."
He stopped again, making sure he had Adyr's full attention before continuing.
"Everything you've seen in this facility is accessible to players, but not exactly free. All services are paid for with the merits you earn through the system."
"So they don't want freeloaders," Adyr said, nodding slowly.
It was clear that a massive amount of effort and resources had gone into building this facility, and they expected the same level of effort from the players using it. Those who worked more would earn more. No special treatment. Adyr found that perfectly reasonable.
"Also, the giant screens you saw in the player lounge and restaurant display the merit rankings," Victor added with a grin.
"I see. A smart way to push effort and competition," Adyr said, visualizing it in his mind.
After thinking it over, he decided he had no issue with the merit system. He had never been fond of following rules, but he also knew that any functioning society needed structure. If he wanted to be part of it, all he had to do was play along.
Of course, occasionally slipping in a few of his own rules when necessary.
"How many players will be here?" Adyr asked with curiosity. He was wondering how many people were still actively playing the game.
"We've got 132 confirmed so far," Victor said after a brief pause. "The research team is still reaching out to a few more, but I don't think the number will grow. If anything, it might drop in the next few days. I don't know exactly how things look in the other shelter cities, but I'd assume they're in a similar situation."
"The facility officially opens tomorrow," he added. "Everyone who's been selected is expected to arrive in the morning. We'll have a clearer number then."
"Tomorrow?" Adyr was surprised. The game had only been out for a few days, yet they had managed to prepare the entire building and set everything up in such a short time.
Maybe the preparations had started long before the game's release. He couldn't help but wonder.
"What should I do with my school?" Adyr asked casually.
Victor grinned widely when he heard that and gave Adyr a light slap on the arm. "I knew you wouldn't pass up this chance." Then he added cheerfully, "Don't worry about school. You won't have to go anymore, but you'll still keep all your student rights, even your scholarship. The state might even grant you early graduation."
He paused briefly before adding, "As long as you stay a player, of course."
So as long as I don't die inside the game. Adyr understood the message behind Victor's words and let out a quiet laugh.
He checked the time on his wristwatch and said, "Time to go home. Is there any paperwork I need to fill out?"
It was almost dinnertime, and he didn't want Niva to worry.
"No need. Just leave it to me," Victor said, then walked with Adyr down to the main lobby.
"I'll call my driver to take you home. He'll also pick you up tomorrow morning," Victor said. "Later on, the facility will assign you a private vehicle and driver."
He paused for a moment, smiling before he added, "Of course, that's only until you earn your status and start using your own license and car."
Adyr smiled and said, "That sounds good."
After saying goodbye, he got into the car with the same driver who had brought him earlier and headed home.
When he got home, he had dinner with Niva and helped her with some chores around the house. He didn't mention the new job. Not yet. He wanted to wait until things about the game became clearer.
Later, he went to his room, put on the fully charged game helmet, and logged in.
Everything in the game seemed stable. Vesha's condition was steadily improving. After checking on her, changing her bandages, and preparing enough food, he spent the remaining three hours talking with her, asking questions. Once the battery ran out, he logged off.
There wasn't much for him to do today anyway, and not many options were available. He decided to wait until tomorrow before leaving the area and heading toward Vesha's kingdom.
If everything went smoothly, tomorrow he would finally get to try out the new game pods.
***
A/N: If everything goes as planned, starting tomorrow, there will be 2 chapters daily, and I'll be launching a new event.
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